Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 1987 Nissan Pathfinder is among the quieter years of the Pathfinder on NHTSA's books: 31 complaints (75% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.
Seat Belts leads the complaint categories with 8 reports (26% of the total).
31
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 8 | 26% | new |
| Engine | 6 | 19% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 13% | new |
| Speed Control | 3 | 10% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 6% | new |
| Transmission | 2 | 6% | new |
| Seats | 2 | 6% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence
INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.
Defect
MISMATCH OF MALE AND FEMALE REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.
Consequence
THE SEAT BELTS CAN NOT BE BUCKLED AND PASSENGERS AREUNABLE TO USE THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
Remedy
INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL MISMATCHED BELT ASSEMBLIES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE FLOOR UNDER THE BACK SEAT RUSTED THROUGH. SEAT BELT ANCHORS WERE RUSTED SO THAT THEY PROBABLY WOULD HAVE PULLED OUT IN AN ACCIDENT. EXHAUST WAS COMING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THRU THE FLOOR. THE SAME PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO YOU (BY OTHER PATHFINDER OWNERS) FOR 1987 THROUGH 1996…”
“CONSUMER WAS GOING 20 MPH & HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. VEHICLE CAME TO A GRINDING HALT AND WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. IT CUT OFF RIGHT IN FRONT OF A AUTO SHOP. THEY FOUND TOP OF HEAD BOLT HAD SHEARED OFF AND FELL DOWN INTO CAMSHAFT AND BUSTED IT. IT WAS PASSED MILEAGE FOR MANUFACTURER TO COVER IT.*AK THE…”
“REAR VIEW MIRRORS INADEQUATE IN DESIGN CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY, ON TWO OCCASIONS VEHICLE STRUCK UNSEEN VEHICLES DUE TO BLIND SPOTS. MJS”
“ENGINE: WHEN ENGINE IS COLD MOTOR RACE UP AND DOWN AT 1800 RPMS, AFTER SITTTING FOR 9 MINUTES IT WENT TO 900 RPMS. DEALER SAID ALL PATHFINDERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT.W HEN STARTING VEHICLE ONE DOESN'T KNOW HOW FAST IT'S GOING TO ACCELERATE AND DON'T HAVE TO TOUCH THE…”
“RUBBER CUSHIONING ON STEERING WHEEL BROKE AWAY FROM PIN IN THE MIDDLE, THIS COULD CAUSE CHEST INJURY UPON VEHICLE IMPACT. TT”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 31 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Pathfinder year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (8 complaints), engine (6 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Nissan Pathfinder. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pathfinder years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2013, 2007, 2014, 2008, 2015, 2001, 1997, 2017, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2022, 1998, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Pathfinder years belongs to 1986.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.